Vote on betting parlor is delayed

Elk Grove Village site near day-care center

Concerns over how close an off-track betting parlor would be to a day-care center in Elk Grove Village prompted the Illinois Racing Board on Thursday to postpone voting on approval of the facility.

Plans by Inter-Track Partners of Melrose Park to build in the Ringside Sports Club, 554 E. Devon Ave., are on hold while the board research whether the center falls under state law regarding schools and off-track betting facilities.

Kathy Gilroy of Villa Park, who wore a "Say no to off-track betting" badge to the hearing at Arlington Park in Arlington Heights, said the law prohibits betting parlors from operating within 500 feet of any building used for education programs. Jennifer's Child Care and Learning Center is about 40 feet from the proposed site.

"Ringside is not a suitable location for an OTB," Gilroy said.

Shelley Kalita, general counsel for the racing board, said she didn't believe the center would qualify as a school.

"This is registered as a day-care center," she said, adding that day-care centers and schools are regulated by different state agencies.

Gilroy said day-care center employees were concerned that they weren't consulted about the OTB plan and complained about having to clean up after Ringside's customers before opening in the morning.

"Can you, in good conscience, vote to add an OTB to that mess?" she asked.

The racing board is scheduled to meet July 10.

On Tuesday Elk Grove Village trustees, who approved the OTB facility, plan to discuss setting up an oversight group designed to deter underage betting.

Racing Board Commissioner Jon Metcalf questioned Inter-Track officials, operating on behalf of Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, about the Elk Grove Village location, saying that it would have only 170 seats and parking for 340.

Inter-Track President Bob Bilocerkowycz said the site is along an industrial corridor, near O'Hare International Airport and additional parking near Ringside would be available for big events.

Elk Grove Village officials said they expect to take in $150,000 to $200,000 annually through a share of the gambling tax.

Deborah Cormier was among residents who questioned the notification about last month's board meeting at which Ringside received an exemption from an ordinance prohibiting gambling in businesses serving liquor. Racing board officials said they would look into the allegations.